Shelby Township Pirates Uncovered

Not all communities can flex a past like Shelby Township pirates of the past. Avast, ye land lubbers and prepare for a pirate's tale. Michigan's Shelby Township pirate past is unexpected but it is documented.

According to the Shelby Township website, one of the more notable early settlers was Mr. Hoxie who "associated with the lake pirate, the Black Snake." Although Shelby Township is land-locked, nearby Lake St. Clair was a hotbed of pirate and smuggling activity for a good share of its history. Historical documents suggest that some pirates hid/settled in Shelby Township and Utica. Finding further history on Black Snake and Shelby Township pirates has proven to be a challenge.

Michigan.org has an a section dedicated to the pirates of Michigan. The most famous of Michigan lake pirates is Dan Seavey who was in the U.S. Navy before becoming a pirate.

Did Michigan lake pirates say, "ARG!" and have hooks for hands? No. Michigan Radio researched our Michigan lake pirates and found that the Michigan lake pirates sounded like the people they lived near... Scandinavian, German etc. Also, our Michigan Lake pirates were practical, wearing sweaters and mittens in the Fall and heading for home in the Winter to wait out the coldest part of the year.

Since communication was slow (no phones, cars, etc.) in the majority of 1800s, pirates could steal and sell their booty just a few miles away before anyone was the wiser.

It's been a couple years since we last visited Shelby Township, and it's always great to get back there!

Shelby Township is known for being the home of Stoney Creek Metropark, one of the biggest and best in the Metropark system! (they are all great, but Stoney Creek is my all time favorite!) I spent a lot of time there in my teen age years and early 20's. We used to hang out at the Winter Cove area, playing Hacky Sack, baseball catch, and of course: following all the laws and rules of the park, of course! Stony Creek Metropark has 18.11 miles of trails including the Macomb Orchard Trail and the Iron Belle Trail, which when completed will run from Detroit all the way to the Upper Peninsula!

I stopped for breakfast at a place I had never stopped before called "Poached" located on Dequindre South of Auburn Road, and I was so glad that i did! It's a small cafe that serves breakfast and lunch with style and coolness! I met servers Samantha and Wendy, who really stood out with their zippy fast, friendly service.

The breakfast was EGG-salant, too! (see what I did there??) Compliments to Chef Dave and all the regulars customers that give Poached a great vibe!

Thanks to Planet Fitness Shelby Township (the one on Auburn Road!) General Manager Jordan for inviting City of the Week to their location. It was cool to surprise Planet Fitness members with free stuff like water bottles, tote bags, sunglasses (free sunglasses!?!?) and more. I've seen first hand how Planet Fitness is a positive, inspiring place to work out. I always look forward to visiting various locations all over South East Michigan with 94.7 WCSX!